12 September 2016, 15:29 GMT
ANKARA (Sputnik) — Turkey's National Security Council chaired by Erdogan proposed on Wednesday to extend the state of emergency "to ensure effective protection of rights and freedoms of our citizens."
"We have declared the state of emergency to deal with terrorists and not to interfere with normal life. But it is clear that three months is not enough… The government will consider the proposal. Extending the state of emergency will benefit Turkey. I believe that this decision will be welcomed by the Turkish people with understanding and support," Erdogan said at a meeting with regional administration leaders in Ankara.
Turkish lawmakers approved a government decree introducing the three-month state of emergency a week after the attempted insurrection. The decree gives Erdogan the ability to enact new laws bypassing the nation's legislature and restricts public gatherings.
